Power Zone

Working in the Power Zone

This element of the Fundamental Five is the easiest to implement and does not take any preparation time, however it does take more energy on the teacher’s part. Cain & Laird (2011) use the term the “power zone” as a synonym to “proximity.” The authors went on to explain why it is important to work in the power zone:

When teachers are in the power zone, they position themselves right in the middle of the action. [Sic] One can easily identify and respond to minute changes in student performance and/or behavior. Now the teacher can reinforce positive behaviors that might otherwise be unnoticed, or, alternatively, extinguish negative behaviors before they reach the crisis stage. [Sic] The teacher is in the absolute best position to conduct frequent and ongoing formative assessment that allows the teacher to perform continuous micro-adjustments to instruction that are based on instantly identified student needs. (Cain & Laird, 2011, p. 47)

Thus, working in the power zone does not only improve classroom management, but also instructional effectiveness and student performance.